Nepal Wildlife & Heritage Adventure: 9 Days of Discovery

Nepal: A Wildlife & Heritage Adventure

Overview

From the moment you arrive in Kathmandu, discover its colorful cultural history, evident in the sheer number of temples and festivals. Continue onwards to Pokhara, famous for its splendid natural beauty as well as its trekking and hiking. When the time comes to travel to Chitwan, you will understand why Nepal is considered the biggest natural museum in the world. The Chitwan National Park has Sal forests that cover 70% of the area and there are about 600 species of plants. Nepal is also home to the only significant number of one-horned rhinos and other endangered species like the Bengal tiger, the gangetic dolphins and the gharial crocodile.

Itinerary

DAY 1

KATHMANDU

Welcome to Nepal

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you are received and welcomed by one of our friendly representatives who offers you a "Khada," a religious silk scarf. Transfer to your Kathmandu hotel where you can rest prior to your exciting tour that lies ahead.

DAY 2

KATHMANDU

Kathmandu full-day sightseeing

After breakfast, depart the hotel for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the "city of glory." Visit Durbar (palace) Square, the epicenter of religious and cultural life, an area filled with old temples and historical significance. Some of the sights include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap and Kumari Ghar; home to the Living Goddess. Afterwards, visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley.
Proceed towards Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. Later visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist Stupa said to be one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal directions, watching for righteous behavior of mankind and for human prosperity. Stay overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 3

KATHMANDU

Patan and Bhaktapur sightseeing

Morning Tour: Depart from the hotel after breakfast for a half-day sightseeing tour of Patan, the city of Fine Arts. Your visit includes Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), etc. Also visit the Tibetan Handicraft Centre where you can see the art of making carpets by the Tibetan refugees.
Afternoon tour: Depart your hotel for a half-day sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur, the “City of Devotees”. The tour begins in Bhaktapur with a visit to Durbar Square, the Golden Gate and the Palace of 55 Windows. See Lion’s Gate, The Nyatapola Temple, the tallest of its kind in Nepal, Bhairab Temple and the Pottery Centre.
Stay overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 4

POKHARA

Travel to Pokhara

Following breakfast at the hotel, begin the guided 6-hour drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is Nepal's second most popular tourist destination nestled beneath the snow-crested Annapurna Massif at an altitude of 900 m elevation, 200 km west of Kathamandu. Many visitors find that their most lasting impression of Nepal is Machhapuchhre's razor-edged "Fish Tail" peak piercing the skyline or reflected in the still waters of Phewa Lake. Besides its scenic natural beauty, Pokhara is also famous for trekking and hiking especially the Annpurna circuits. Enjoy your overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

DAY 5

POKHARA

Discover Pokhara

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. If you are feeling extremely adventurous, you may choose to take an optional Ultra Light Aircraft flight in Pokhara (extra charge) These aircraft are manufactured in Russia and are completed with the Rotax 58 engines. The operational speed ranges from 50 km/h to 130km/h.These are two-seater planes which carry one pilot and one passenger each in every flight. These aircrafts can fly for four hours and reach the height of 5000 meters and fly 300 km at a stretch. Their high aerodynamic qualities allow this delta wing aircraft to perform long flights with engine turned off. It is uniquely designed and filled with ballistic parachute system, which enables the aircraft to land safely during emergencies. Note: Due to limited number of aircrafts, the flight is subject to availability of the aircraft.
This afternoon, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara City. The visit includes Bindavasini Temple, Seti Gorge, Tibetan Refugee Camp, Devi's fall and more. Stay overnight at your hotel in Pokhara.

DAY 6

CHITWAN

Jungle activities in Chitwan

After breakfast, head west to Chitwan National Park (approx. 160km/ 4½ hours drive), one of the best managed national parks in the world. Enjoy lunch at a lodge and participate in various jungle activities such as an elephant safari, jungle drive and a nature walk. Have dinner and stay overnight at your lodge in Chitwan.

DAY 7

CHITWAN

Adventure in Chitwan National Park

Experience the wildlife adventure in Chitwan National Park which serves as a safe refuge to at least 450 species of birds, 45 species of amphibians and reptiles and 43 species of mammals. Journey through the Park and keep an eye out for the elusive Bengal tiger, the endangered single-horned Indian rhinoceros, the colossal Asian elephant, the mighty gaur bison, the slumbering gharial crocodiles and many more. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included at the lodge. Stay overnight at your lodge in Chitwan.

DAY 8

KATHMANDU

Travel back to Kathmandu

After breakfast, embark on a scenic five-hour drive along the sacred Trisuli River as you travel back to Kathmandu. You are free to explore Kathmandu for the remainder of the afternoon. This evening, enjoy dinner accompanied by a cultural program in a Nepali restaurant.

DAY 9

KATHMANDU

Departure day

Check out of your hotel this morning and transfer to the airport for your departure flight back home or to your next exciting destination.

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Terms & Conditions

PAYMENT TERMS:
(i) 25% of total tour cost due at the time of booking
(ii) 75% or balance no later than 65 days prior to date of the first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

CANCELLATION FEES:

(i) 25% of the total tour value if cancelled more than 65 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS
(ii) 50% of the total tour value if cancelled 64-30 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

(iii) 100% of the total tour value if cancelled 29-0 days prior to date of first service sold by TRAVBUZZ / PALACE TOURS

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.

Tips & FAQ

What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> Visas for <st1:country-region w:st="on">Nepal</st1:country-region> are obtained upon arrival in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Please go to the Immigration Counter and have 3 passport-sized photographs and approximately US $30.00 cash per person ready for the visa fee, along with your passport.   I am flying to Nepal from India. Do I need a re-entry permit for India?  If you are planning to enter India multiple times within a 2-month period, recent updates to Indian visa regulations may impact your travel. Further clarification was issued stating that if the visa holder is traveling to multiple countries on the same itinerary, no permit is needed, as long as the trip follows the itinerary exactly. The visa holder must carry a copy of their itinerary to show the Immigration Officer upon their first entry to India. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What is the best season to travel to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<o:p></o:p> We operate tours throughout the year; however the best seasons to travel to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region> are spring and autumn. We do operate tours in the off-season but do not recommend them, as Tiger Tops in Chitwan is closed from June until the second week of September.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What should I bring for my stay in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>? <o:p></o:p> We recommend that you bring casual clothes in jungle colors such as beige, brown, khaki and green that are least disturbing to the environment and are most appropriate for wildlife viewing. Natural fiber clothes are often best for the humid jungle conditions, trousers are preferred and a fleece jacket or sweater is recommended if you are traveling during wintertime. We also recommend that you bring binoculars, sunscreen, insect repellant, camera with extra film and a small suitcase/overnight bag if your tour includes an overnight in Chitwan.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Approximately how many hours do the tours each day last?<o:p></o:p> In general, sightseeing tours start at 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Every half-day sightseeing tour lasts for a maximum of 3 hours and each full-day tour will last for 7 hours with a 1 hour lunch break. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What types of vehicles are utilized for tours/transfers?<o:p></o:p> We provide luxury vehicles with air conditioning. Size of the vehicle (ie: car, van, coaster or bus) is based on the group size.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> What type of cuisine is served during the tour?<o:p></o:p> Most of the hotels that you will stay at provide a variety of cuisines including local specialties with a vegetarian option.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Is the tap water safe to drink? Is bottled water provided?<o:p></o:p> We do not advise tap water for drinking. Most of the hotels provide boiled and filtered water to the clients. Bottled water can be provided at an extra charge.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Is there internet/telephone access while on the tour?<o:p></o:p> Most of the hotels have internet access in the business center and telephone access in every room. Only satellite (international roaming) mobile gets a signal in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nepal</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Pre-paid mobile SIM card can be purchased or rented.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Do you have any recommendations for gratuities?<o:p></o:p> Gratuities are left solely to the discretion of the clients.

Media Gallery

Explore Chitwan National Park the back of an elephant

Locals in Nepal

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Pashupatinath temple, Kathmandu

Boudhanath, the largest spherical stupa in Nepal

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The Anapurna range from Pokhara